Extensible fire ladder



Aug. 29, 1933. r H. A, PORTER 1,924,751

EXTENS IBLE FIRE LADDER Filed March 24, 1931 3 SPeets-Sheet l Aug. 29, 1933. H. A. PORTER EXTENSIBLE FIRE LADDER Filed March 24, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 29, 1933. H. A. PORTER 1,924,751

EXTENSIBLE FIRE LADDER Filed March 24, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Aug. 29, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 5 Claims.

This invention relates to. fire apparatus, and aims to provide novel means whereby firemen may be rapidly elevated to a position adjacent to the windows of an upper floor of a burning building, to properly direct a stream of water, to extinguish the fire.

An important object of the invention is to provide a device of this character including an extensible ladder and a power operated carrier movable over the extensible ladder in such a way that the carrier maybe readily moved to a position adjacent to a window of a burning building, to facilitate the rescue of the people trapped in the building.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power operated carrier of this character having a pivoted side section which may be moved to its extended position, providing a platform so that the occupants of the carrier may pass from the carrier rapidly.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means for controlling the speed of the carrier on moving to its lowermost position under the weight of its load, thereby insuring against injury to the occupants of the carrier.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of power operated means for swinging the ladder to its operative or inoperative position.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it

being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, may be made within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an extensible ladder constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view through the carrier.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a plan view of the ladder in its inoperative position.

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken on line 66 of Figure 4.

Figure '7 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 7-7 of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the manner of connecting the cables to the extensible ladder section and carrier.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the manner of connecting the cables to the carrier.

Figure 10 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a conventional form of brake used in connection with the elevating means for the carrier.

Figure 11 is an elevational view of a clutch operating mechanism associated with the power means.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference character 5 designates the base on which the ladder is mounted, the base being of any desirable construction and preferably mounted on a fire truck in such a way that it may be rotated so that the ladder may be arranged at any angle.

At the opposite end of the shaft 8, is a pinion 15 which is splined on the shaft 8 and operated by means of the clutch collar 16, connecting link 17, and lever 18. Extending at right angles to the shaft 8,-is a shaft 19 that is mounted in the bearings 20, 21, 22 and 23, the bearings 21 and 22 being constructed to receive the ends of the shaft 19. The shaft 19 provides a support for the pinion 24 that is secured to the shaft to move therewith, to the end that when the pinion 15 is moved into engagement with the pinion 24, I

the shaft 8 will be'rotated to swing the ladder to its active or inactive position, according to the direction of rotation of the pinion 24. When the ladder has been moved to its proper position, the clutch collar 13 is operated to lock the ladder in its position of adjustment.

The reference character 25 designates a pinion that is also secured to theshaft 19 to move therewith, the pinion 25 being designed to mesh with the pinion 26 that is splined on the shaft 27, mounted in suitable bearings, rising from the base 5. The lever 28 that connects with the clutch collar 29, controls the operation of the pinion 26, to throw the pinion into and out of engagement with the pinion 25. Mounted on the shaft 27, and disposed in spaced relation, are drums 30 and 31 respectively, on which drums the cables 32 are wound, which cables pass upwardly through the tubes 33 that are supported at the rear of the side rails 6' of the ladder, from where they pass over pulleys 33 mounted at the upper ends of the tubes 33. These cables now pass downwardly where they connect with the lower ends of the extensible ladder section 34, to extend the ladder section 34, when the cables are wound on the drums 30 and 31. The extensible ladder section includes rungs 35'.

The main section of the ladder includes rungs 35 that have their ends held in sockets 36 that are disposed in spaced relation throughout the length of the tubes 33, as clearly shown by the drawings. Thus it will be obvious that due to this construction, the rungs may be readily and easily removed and replaced, when they become damaged, or otherwise rendered unfit for further use.

Extending throughout the length of the ladder, and disposed in parallel spaced relation with each other, are telescoping track sections 3'7 on which the shoes 38 of the carrier rest. At the outer ends of the extensible ladde" section are connecting members '34 to which the tubular track sections are secured.

These tubular track sections operate over the rolled edges 39' of the flanges 32, which flanges extend longitudinally of the main ladder sections. Longitudinal slots are formed in the tubular track sections 37, to accommodate the flanges 32, as clearly shown by Figure 3 of the drawings.

Telescoping tubular track sections 39 are secured at opposite sides of the ladder, and are provided with slots 40 disposed longitudinally thereof, lateral longitudinal tubes 40 are carried by the extensible ladder section, and operate in the tubular track sections 39. Slots are also formed in the upper surface of the tubes 40, which slots register with the longitudinal slots of the track sections 39. These telescoping track sections provide supports for the carrier 41, the carrier being provided with pairs of upper leg members 42 and lower leg members 43, the leg members being provided with enlargements 44, that are disposed within the track sections 39, the leg members extending .through the slots 40 of the track sections 39 and tubes 40, as clearly shown by the drawings. Near the upper end of the carrier 41, are arms 45 that support the rollers 46 at their outer ends, the rollers being designed to move over the rear surfaces of the track sections 39, to hold the carrier against outward movement, under its load, and to reduce friction between the carrier and the track sections, to the minimum.

Cables 47 extend through the tubular side rails of the extension section 34, and pass over the pulleys 48, at the upper ends of the extensible ladder section, from where the cables pass downwardly through the telescoping track sections 39, where they connect with the leg members 42 and 43, so that movement of the cables 4'7, will result in a relative movement of the carrier, to move the carrier to the limit of its upward movement, it being understood that the weight of the carrier is sufficient to cause the carrier to return to its normal or lowermost position by gravity. These cables 47 are wound on the drums 49 that are mounted on the shaft 50, which in turn is mounted in suitable bearings rising from the base 5, the shaft 50 being arranged in parallel spaced relation with the shaft 2'7.

Splined on one end of the shaft 50, is a pinion 51 which is adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with the pinion 52, mounted on the shaft 19. The operation of the pinion 51 is controlled by means of the lever 53 which has connection with the pinion 51, through the clutch collar 54. As before stated, the winding of the cables 47 on the drums 49, acts to move the carrier longitudinally of the ladder, and that when the carrier is to be moved to its lowermost position, the weight of the load of the carrier is suflicient to cause the carrier to slide to its lowermost position. In order to control this movement, and prevent the carrier from moving too rapidly, a brake drum 55 is provided on the shaft 50, which brake drum isengaged by the brake band 56 that in turn is controlled by means of the lever 5'7, to the end that the operator may control the speed of rotation of the shaft 50, by the operation of the brake band. It might be further stated that a similar brake drum and brake band indicated at 58, control the operation of the shaft 2'7, there being provided a lever 59 for operating the brake band 58.

The power shaft of the gearing employed in operating the various pinions and shafts described, is indicated by the reference character 60, and as shown is mounted in the bearings 61 and 22 respectively, that are mounted on the base 5. At one end of the power shaft 60, are pinions 63 and 64 respectively, the pinions 63 and 6'4 being splined on the shaft 60, and controlled in such a way that either of the pinions 63 or 647 may be thrown into mesh with the pinion 65, that is secured to the shaft 19, to impart rotary movement thereto.

Since these pinions 63 and 64 are disposed on opposite sides of the pinion 65, it will be seen that by throwing either of these pinions into operation. the direction of rotation of the shaft 19 may be changed, however, since the normal operation of the shaft 19, is through the pinions 68 and 64, the lever 66 which controls the movements of the pinion 63 is provided with a locking means, to insure against the pinion 63 being socidentally thrown out of mesh with the pinion 65. The pinion 64 is thrown into and out of operation by means of the lever 6'7, and clutch collar connected therewith.

While the clutch mechanism and gearing employed in transmitting movement to the power shaft 60 is not shown, it is to be understood that this power shaft 60 may be operated through a chain of gearing, and controlled by suitable clutchmeans, whereby the motive power of the truck, may be utilized in supplying the power for rotating the shaft 60.

Pivotally mounted on the main section of the ladder, is an arm 68 which has its upper or free end formed with a notch, to engage one of the rungs of the extensible ladder section, providing a rest to support the extensible ladder section and hold the extensible ladder section against downward movement, after it has been properly extended.

The reference character 69 designates a controlling rod that extends along the main ladder section, the lower end of the rod being provided with an operating lever '70.

One end of the rod 69 connects with the arm '71 that is pivotally mounted near one end of the arm 68, so that when the lever '70 is pulled towards the operator, the arm '71 will move to throw the arm 68 to its inactive position, or to a position out of contact with the rung of the ladder with which it has been engaging, thereby permitting the extensible ladder section, to be returned to its normal position within the main ladder section.

Since the cables 4'7 extend over the pulleys 48, at the upper ends of the extensible ladder section, it will be obvious that when it is desired to lower the extensible ladder section, the cables 47 are wound on the drums 49, and the carrier is prevented from moving upwardly, by means of the pivoted arm '72, which is moved over the upper edge of the carrier. As the cable 47 is wound on the drums 49, pressure will be exerted at the outer ends of the extensible ladder section, causing it to move within the main ladder section and thus be lowered. A cushioning member indicated by the reference character '73 is mounted at the lower end of the main ladder section, and is of a width to contact with the bottom of the carrier. This cushioning member embodies a plurality of coiled springs '74 which are compressed under the weight of the carrier. The

carrier, which is substantially large, embodies a front wall that is hingedly mounted on the carrier, the front wall being provided with rearwardlyextended flanges 76 that have arcuate slots 7'7 formed therein, that accommodate the pins '78, extending from the sides of the body portion, so that when the front wall is swung from its closed position, to a position as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1 of the drawings, a platform will be presented to permit the occupants of the carrier to pass quickly from the carrier, so that the carrier may be returned to its position at the upper end of the ladder.

Latch members '79 are carried by the pivoted front wall, and provide means for securing the front wall in its closed position. In order to facilitate the loading of the carrier, steps 80 are formed therein, which steps are provided with pivoted members 81, that provide beds so that invalids or persons injured, may be carried to safety, with facility.

Handles 82 are provided at opposite sides of the carrier so that people entering the carrier may aid themselves in stepping into the carrier, from high elevations. In order that the attendant or person in charge of the operation of the ladder and carrier, may be informed when the carrier reaches the limit of its upward movement, a bell 83 is provided at the upper end of the extensible ladder section, the bell being of a type to be operated by engagement of the teeth 84 of the arm 85, thereby signaling to the operator, so that the operator may cut off the lifting power, and hold the carrier in its position to be loaded. The reference character 86 designates a pair of lifting bars that have their lower ends secured to the shaft 8, while the opposite ends thereof are connected to the bar 87 that is positioned between the brackets 88 and rear of the main ladder section 6, the brackets 88 being elongated, so that sliding movement of the bar 87, will be permitted. Thus it will be seen that when the ladder is moved to its elevated position, a certain amount of the lifting power is directed to the main section of the ladder, at a point an appreciable distance from the arms 7, thereby permitting the ladder to be elevated, with the minimum amount of power.

It might be further stated that a hose clamp indicated by the reference character 89, extends from one side of the carrier, so that the nozzle end of the hose may be clamped thereby, and drawn to the upper end of the ladder, as the carrier is elevated.

In the operation of the device, the power shaft 60 is thrown into operation, and the pinion 15 is thrown into mesh with the pinion 24, the pinions 26 and 51 being out of mesh with their respective pinions. It is obvious that the shaft 8 will be rotated, swinging the ladder to its elevated position, or to the position as shown by Figure 1 of the drawings. The clutch member 12 is now moved into engagement with the, clutch member 11,. to hold the ladder in its elevated position. The pinion 15 is now thrown out of mesh, and the pinion 26 thrown into engagement with the pinion 25, and the power shaft again thrown into operation. The cables 32 are now wound on the drums 30 and 31, moving the extensible section of the ladder to the desired position. The pinion 26 is now thrown out of mesh with the pinion 25, and the pinion 51 is thrown into mesh with the pinion 52. It follows that the cables 47 are wound on their drums 49, moving the carrier upwardly over the extended ladder. The occupants of the burning building may now pass into the carrier, or the firemen which have been elevated by the carrier, may properly direct their hose, to extinguish the fire. Should it be desired to transfer people from the burning building, to the ground surface, the people may be loaded into the carrier, and the pinion 51 disengaged, from the pinion 52, whereupon the weight of the load of the carrier, will cause the carrier to gravitate to its lowermost or initial position. By repeating the operation, the carrier may again be elevated to the upper end of the ladder where it may again be filled and returned to the bottom of the ladder, in a manner as described.

I claim:

1. A fire apparatus comprising a ladder including a main section and a telescoping section, said ladder embodying hollow side rails, cables extending through the hollow side rails and connected with the telescoping section to extend and retract the telescoping ladder section, a carrier movable over theladder, cables extending through the side rails of the ladder and having connection with the carrier for moving the carrier over the ladder, and power controlled means for operating the cables.

2. A fire apparatus comprising a base, a ladder, including a telescoping section pivotally mounted 1 on the base, said ladder including tubular side members, a carrier movable over the ladder, cables extending through the tubular side members and connected with the carrier, power operated drums on which the cables are wound to 1 elevate the carrier, and means connected to. the drums for controlling the speed of descent of the carrier.

3. A fire apparatus comprising a base, a ladder pivotally mounted on the base, power controlled 1 means for swinging the ladder to its active position, track members on the ladder, a carrier, shoes on the carrier and resting on the track members, cables connected with the carrier and passing through the side members of the ladder, and 1 power controlled means for controlling the cables.

4. A fire apparatus comprising a pivoted ladder embodying a lower section and a telescoping section, a carrier movable over the ladder, cables extending through the side members of the ladder and connected with the carrier to move the carrier longitudinally of the ladder, and a pivoted latch member on the ladder and adapted to engage the carrier to restrict movement of the carrier whenthe cables are operated, and said cables 1 being adapted to pull the telescoping section of the ladder into the lower section.

, 5. A fire apparatus comprising a base, a ladder pivotally mounted on the base and including telescoping ladder sections, a power shaft mounted 1 on the base, a jack shaft mounted on the base and adapted to receive movement from the power shaft, pinions mounted on the jack shaft, driven shafts mounted on the base and disposed at right angles with respect to the jack shaft, pinions on 

